Sporting fraternity congratulates Vijender Singh for Asia title

New Delhi: The sporting fraternity has come in unison to congratulate Indian knockout king Vijender Singh after he defeated Australian Kerry Hope to clinch his maiden WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title.

India’s limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni congratulated the star boxer saying he has made the country proud with the feat.

“Saw a full mch of boxing after yrs.thks @boxervijender for mkg INDIA proud,it’s just the start ur hrd wrk,dedication and sacrifice paid off (sic),” Dhoni wrote on micro blogging website Twitter.

Former opening batsman Virender Sehwag also congratulated Vijendra for knocking out Hope.

Former cricketer VVS Laxman said it was a great news for the Indian sports, adding that Vijender truly deserved the victory.

“Congratulations @boxervijender ??You deserve every bit of the WBO title??Great sporting news for India.Made the nation proud?? #VijenderSingh,” he said.

Expecting India to have much more events like this in future, renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted,“@boxervijender was probably expected to win but this was the kind of event boxing needed in India.”

Jubilant with the victory, Vijendra yesterday said he wants to dedicate his maiden Asia title to Mohammad Ali, while insisting that he finally managed to fulfill his dream.

“It’s all about hard work, dedication and for me it’s all about my nation, my India,” he added.

Vijender created history by scoring a dominating win over Welsh-born Australian Kerry Hope in a 10-round bout here last night.

Aced with the most experienced and highly-rated opponent of his professional career, the star boxer carved out a 98-92, 98-92, 100-90 verdict from the three judges to extend his record to seven wins from as many fights.